Jennifer Ruhl

Jennifer Marie Jerkovich Ruhl was born February 15, 1958 to Charles and Pat Jerkovich in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at her home in Anita, Iowa, at the age of 53. She grew up in Council Bluffs and graduated high school in 1976. She chose a career in the health care profession, and became certified as both a CMA and CNA. Jennifer worked in several local care facilities, including Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Anita, Adair Health Center Nursing Home and Adair Family Medicine.

Jennifer had a special connection with and compassion for the elderly. She cared lovingly for all, and tenderly attended to some through the final days of their lives. They loved her as family in return. She was an avid gardener-nicknamed "The Zinnia Queen", and neighbors and passers-by enjoyed the beautiful scenery she created. She also enjoyed cooking and music, especially Bob Dylan and Stevie Nicks.

Her children and her pets were the closest to her heart, however. She was devoted to her daughter, Lindsey, and son, Andrew, as well as pets Indy, a collie, Caesar, a golden retriever, Lilli, her cat and Andrew's "Bug" dog, Bezley.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother, Jeff Jerkovich.

She is survived by her husband, Lyle Ruhl of Anita, IA; her children, Lindsey Jensen and Andrew Jensen, both of Des Moines, IA; two brothers, Gary Jerkovich of Wisconsin and John Jerkovich of Council Bluffs, IA; six sisters, Vicki Myers, Jane Showers, Karen Brandenburg, and Jeanette Jerkovich, all of Council Bluffs, IA, Judy Lunn of Arizona and Mary Jerkovich of Winterset, IA; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a Rosary service at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 6, 2012, with a visitation from 10:30 - 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. all at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Anita, Iowa. The family will also have a time for visiting at a lunch directly following the memorial service, also in the church.

Burial of cremains will take place in Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Council Bluffs, Iowa, at 3:00 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, 2012.